Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements with respect to the climate of Western Europe:
Western Europe receives rainfall in all months.
Western Europe is located in the belt of Westerlies.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Only 1
Only 2
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. A large part of Western Europe experiences a Marine West Coast or Maritime Climate. Moist air arriving from the Atlantic Ocean means that precipitation is not confined to a single season; instead, rainfall occurs during all months of the year. Its amount and intensity may vary by place and season, but a distinct dry season is generally absent.
Statement 2 is also correct. Western Europe lies within the belt of Westerlies. These winds generally blow from west to east in the middle latitudes and carry considerable moisture from the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe.
Along with these Westerlies, Atlantic storm tracks and temperate cyclones also move from west to east. This helps maintain cloudy and precipitating conditions in Western Europe throughout the year. Owing to the oceanic influence, winters are relatively mild and the annual temperature range is smaller than in continental interiors.